Barry Goldwater Peak (4083), named after the Arizona born US Senator, is the high point of the White Tank Mountain Range. Most views attribute that title to the popular Radio Summit which is just 65ft shy of BG Peak. The summit isn't visited by hikers all that often. It offers views of some western peaks (as far as the Eagletails this particular day) that Phoenix locals probably don't get to see that often.

Hike: Goat Camp starts out gentle. Not long after the first mile, you do two or three switchbacks and begin following along the side of Goat Canyon (just before the switchbacks is a rock that may as well be a bench. It's shaded by a tree earlier in the morning. Great place to take a quick rest). In between the switchbacks and the second mile marker is probably the roughest section. You'll most likely be watching your footing the whole time. Passed mile marker 2, it's a mix of the previous terrain. Gentle in some spots, rocky in others. After crossing a wash at the far end of the canyon, you start to hike out of it. This section is loose, and rocky as well. You will pass the third mile marker along this stretch. Once atop the ridge, you get your first view of Barry Goldwater Peak and the Radio Summit. The next two miles are the easiest on the whole route. Once you get to the 5th mile marker, there will be a smaller peak to your left. Once you get around this, the Jeep trail will be on your left, heading west. This picture isn't exact, but hopefully it gives you an idea of where to look.

Here's where it begins. The trail is easy to follow, but just in case, there are numerous cairns set up. I sort of lost the trail about 20/30ft from the service road. It may have continued, but it was no biggie. Take a right at the service road. You'll come to a bit of a junction later on. You want to take the obvious left. After winding up a little ways, you'll come to a three way junction, take the right.

At the top, you'll find a red jar under some rocks containing the summit registry. Feel free to donate a pencil. I started heading down around 11am and finding shade was nearly impossible. Bring A LOT of water with you if you're going to attempt this during the summer months. I had a little less than 4 liters and I payed the price. Better yet, don't attempt this hike during the summer months.

Note HAZ members have been hassled and ticketed for entering Maricopa county parks in the following ways:

parking at the White Tanks Library despite no signage stating no parking for hikers

neighborhood trailhead access by non residents

Directions

To Goat Camp Trailhead101 Loop to Park Take the I-10 west out of Phoenix to the 101 Loop Freeway. Go north on the 101 to Olive Blvd. Take a left and head west 13.5 miles to the White Tanks park entrance.

I-10 to Park To get to the White Tanks Park from downtown (PHX) is to stay on I-10 to Cotton Lane. Then go North 7 miles to Olive Ave, there is a stop sign and a Fertazone plant on the NW corner. Take a left (west) to the park. By going this you miss the new stop lights and the added stop signs on Olive.

After paying the fee at the entrance station on Olive Ave., continue west and take the first left, which is Black Canyon Drive, then park at the second parking lot on the left, which is Area 2. This is the location of the Goat Camp Trail trailhead. If the lot is full, go back to the first parking lot, which is Area 1. This is the location of the South Trail trailhead. The South Trail connects to the Goat Camp Trail.

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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